New Delhi, September 23, 2025 : The 71st National Film Awards lit up Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with moments of pride, applause and standing ovations as the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred honours on the finest talents of Indian cinema. The gathering of artists, dignitaries and admirers was united by a single emotion – celebration of the stories that have shaped the heart of the nation.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award on legendary actor Shri Mohanlal, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema. Applauding his illustrious journey from theatre to film, the President hailed Mohanlal’s work as a powerful reflection of India’s cultural heritage — from classical Sanskrit performances like Karnabharam to globally acclaimed films like Vanaprastham.
Describing Indian cinema as a vibrant expression of the country’s diversity and democratic spirit, the President emphasized its role in inspiring social change and promoting awareness. She noted the growing presence of women in cinema and called for stronger efforts to ensure their meaningful participation both on and off screen. The President also praised the creativity of young talents and acknowledged six child artists for their contribution.
Accepting the honour, Shri Mohanlal expressed deep gratitude, dedicating the award to the masters of the Malayalam film industry and the larger film fraternity. Calling cinema the “heartbeat of his soul,” he reaffirmed his commitment to the art form.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, lauded Mohanlal as a true icon and outlined the government’s efforts to position India as a global hub for film and content creation. He highlighted the operationalization of the International Institute of Cinema and Technology (IICT) in Mumbai and initiatives like Waves Bazaar, aimed at expanding global market access for Indian creators.
Secretary, I&B Ministry, Shri Sanjay Jaju, called cinema a celebration of dreams and storytelling, praising the success of the Waves Summit and the creative spirit of India under the banner “Ek Desh, Hazaron Kahaniyan, Ek Junoon.”
National Film Awards: Honouring Talent Across the Spectrum
The National Film Awards also recognised outstanding cinematic achievements across India:
- Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail), showcasing the spectrum from mass appeal to intimate realism.
- Best Actress: Rani Mukerji for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, praised for her deeply emotional performance.
- Best Supporting Actors: Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar.
- Best Supporting Actresses: Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala.
Best Feature Film went to 12th Fail, a story of resilience and aspiration. Flowering Man was named Best Non-Feature Film, while God, Vulture and Human won Best Documentary.
In new media:
- Hanu-Man won Best Film in AVGC, recognizing innovation in animation and VFX.
- Giddh: The Scavenger received the award for Best Short Film.
Together, these honours celebrate a rich mosaic of stories, talent, and vision — reinforcing Indian cinema’s growing impact both at home and on the world stage.
